Paul Reubens made being a freaky, queerish person fun and empowering. That was not common in the mainstream 1990s.
If you grew up in the 80s or 90s in the western world, you likely mourned the passing of Paul Reubens last week. I definitely did. I found the story of his cancer battle and last years of life so humbling, courageous, and inspiring. His genuine apology to fans for not being around these past few years was heartwarming.
Paul/Pee-Wee stood for something important in the late 80s and early 90s. There aren’t many weirdos, freaks, or creative geniuses in rural, eastern Canada. Pee-Wee was an explosion of color, erratic behavior, unabashed queerness and courage.
Pee-Wee’s world was magical. It was accepting, friendly, non-judgmental, and driven by laughter and joy. It wasn’t Mr. Dressup or Sesame Street or Reading Rainbow. It was risky, weird, and intoxicating.
Pee-Wee was a role model for young, queer, anybodies. Paul Reubens could have tamed-down so many aspects of the show. He could have knocked the sharp corners off the weirdness, or muted the sexual undertones and inside gags. But he didn’t. CBS didn’t, the cast didn’t. Gary Panter didn’t. To me, all the creators from the depths of this show are true heroes.
Looking back on Reubens’ encounters with the law in the 90s and 00s, I can’t help but see a wound-up, anti-queer energy taking pleasure in bringing down Pee-Wee’s impact and magic. It didn’t work. As an adult, I see it all now. Sometimes you’re celebrated for standing out, sometimes you’re scorned. But PeeWee was indestructible, and when I think about the intense grin and small-dog growl of PeeWee Herman today, it gives me so much courage.
Paul Reubens was a trailblazer for flying that freak flag, celebrating queerness in all its unlimited forms, and standing up after they kick you right in the face. Thanks, Pee-Wee! Also, how did you stay young for so long? Pure wizardry.
